On Friday, April 29, the Russian Defense Ministry published footage of the combat work of the crews of Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopters and Mi-8AMTSh transport and assault helicopters who showed courage and heroism during a special operation to protect Donbass.
It is noted that during the special military operation, the crews of army aviation continue to perform tasks of escorting convoys, destroying armored vehicles and military infrastructure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), delivering troops, military cargo, and aviation support for units performing tasks within the framework of the special operation. Flights take place at extremely low altitudes.
According to Mikhail, the navigator of the Ka-52 helicopter, they work from the maximum range so as not to fall into the enemy's air defense zone.
"We are working from a distance of 5-6 km depending on the classification of the rocket. There is a Mi-8 in the waiting area at the back in case they work on us so that the crew can be picked up on time," he said.
However, sometimes it happens to meet the enemy face to face. Recently, the crew of the commander of the Mi-8AMTSh transport and assault helicopter stumbled upon the position of Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners.
In such a situation, there are several seconds to make a decision. On that day, the Buk anti-aircraft missile system of the Ukrainian troops was destroyed.
"We saw the shelling on the helicopter. But since we were performing the task, and it was unexpected for the enemy, so the shelling was chaotic in all directions. They didn't even understand where the fire was coming from. After that, we returned safely here. They reported to the higher headquarters and transmitted the coordinates. A second is enough for the pilot to make a decision to complete the task. The work is stressful. A lot of departures. But my guys are well done, they are charged, they perform tasks. In all weather conditions, day and night, we know what we are here for," military pilot Igor shared.
According to the defense Ministry, the pilot will be presented with a state award for his feat.
On the eve of the official representative of the Ministry of Defense of Russia Igor Konashenkov said that the military of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed the Ukrainian launcher of the Tochka-U missile system, two areas of concentration of enemy equipment were also hit.
Earlier in the day, the agency published footage of the combat work of calculations of self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and cannon complexes "Pantsir" and operators of portable anti-aircraft missile systems "Igla" during a special operation to protect Donbass.
It is noted that the calculations of the ZRPC "Pantsir" and the operators of the MANPADS "Igla" provide protection for units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from means of air attack, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles and ammunition for multiple launch rocket systems.
In mid-February, amid the aggravation of the situation in the Donbass, the authorities of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics asked for recognition of independence and announced the evacuation of civilians to Russia.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a corresponding decree. On February 24, Russia launched a special operation to protect the civilian population of Donbass. As Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified, the special operation pursues two goals — demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.
Watch more relevant videos and details about the situation in Donbass on the Izvestia TV channel.